TLC-Based Metabolite Profiling and Bioactivity-Based Scientific Validation for Use of Water Extracts in AYUSH Formulations

Microscopic characterization, TLC fingerprinting and optimization of total lipid content from Euphorbia neriifolia (L.) using response surface methodology

Euphorbia neriifolia (EN) is a medicinal plant used to treat a variety of ailments in traditional systems. Despite numerous studies on pharmacological activities, no information was available on the microscopic study of this plant. This is the first study that has been attempted to fill this need by performing the light and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) of leaf, stem, and latex. The powder microscopy of several organs (leaves, stem, and bark) and exudate (latex) of EN was carried out using safranine, fast green, phloroglucinol, and other standard solutions at different magnifications. The chemical fingerprinting of petroleum ether extract was accomplished by using thin layer chromatography. The optimization of total lipid content from the EN leaf under ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and soxhlet extraction (SE) procedure was determined using response surface methodology (RSM). The studied factors that affect the lipid content were: solvent ratio, extraction temperature, and extraction time. Several notable characteristics observed in the leaf of EN are amphistomatic leaves with anticlinical cell walls, anomocytic stomata, spongy mesophyll cells, elongated palisade cells, angular collenchyma, and U-shaped vascular bundle. The plano-convex midrib is covered by polygonal to oval-shaped cuticles and contains anomocytic stomata. The circular petiole has no trichomes and contains laticifers, crystals, and idioblasts. The circular stem was observed with trichomes, hypodermis, collenchyma, parenchymatous cells, central pith, pentagonal stellar region, cambium, and 2-4 times more xylem that of phloem. All of the powdered plant parts and exudate under study contained trichomes, xylem vessels, wood fibers, cork cells, starch grains, calcium oxalate crystals, idioblasts, lignified cork, tannin content, stone cells, and oil globules. The blackish-green colored petroleum ether extract with semi-solid consistency showed the greatest percent (%) yield of 4% in the latex of EN. The thin layer chromatography (TLC) examination of petroleum ether extract of EN leaf produced a maximum 6 spots with Rf values of 0.16, 0.58, 0.62, 0.73, and 0.96 in the mobile phase of petroleum ether-acetone (8:2). In terms of optimization, the dark green colored UAE extract with semi-sticky consistency showed highest % yield of 4.5% whereas the yellowish green colored SE extract of sticky consistency showed the highest % yield of 4.9%. The findings showed that there were not many differences in the total lipid content between UAE (0.16%) and SE (0.11%). However, the best optimum condition for lipid content extraction analysis was obtained as follows: solvent ratio (PE:HE) 50:50, extraction temperature 50°C, extraction time 45 min for UAE, and solvent ratio (PE:HE) 60:40, extraction temperature 45°C, and extraction time of 24 h for SE. Hence, this study signifies the various noteworthy microscopic features along with the presence of different phytocompounds through TLC and best optimized condition for the extraction of lipids from different parts of EN. As no previous study has been reported, the outcomes obtained from the current study prove to be beneficial in the identification of species, quality control, and detection of any adulteration from the laboratory and commercial samples of EN. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The percent yield was found to be maximum in latex extract (4%). The leaf pet ether extract was separated into 6 bands with different Rf values. The extracted compounds from Euphorbia neriifolia leaves were categorized into non-polar heat tolerant. The highest total lipid yield (0.1119) was obtained at solvent ratios 60:40 of PE:HE (petroleum ether: petroleum hexane).

Utilization of Quince (Cydonia oblonga) Peel and Exploration of Its Metabolite Profiling and Cardioprotective Potential Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) is a pomaceous fruit that is typically processed into jams, jellies, and marmalade. The byproduct, i.e., the quince peel emanated from the processing industry, can be upcycled, ensuring zero waste policy and resulting in a sustainable food system. In our study, the quince peel was explored for in vitro phytochemical analysis and in vivo cardioprotective potential. Two diverse extractions (ultrasonication and reflux) and four different solvents (aqueous, ethanolic, hydroethanolic, and methanolic) were used for the extraction of quince peel and assessed for the phytochemical and antioxidant study. Among all the evaluated extracts, hydroethanolic quince extract extracted through the reflux extraction method showed the maximum phenolic (27.23 ± 0.85 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid (16.5 ± 1.02 mg RE/g DW) content. The maximum antioxidant potential (DPPH) with an IC50 value of 204.8 ± 2.24 μg/mL was noted for the hydroethanolic extract. This best active extract was then subjected to HPTLC, UPLC-MS, mineral, and FTIR analysis to study the metabolic profiling and inorganic composition and to confirm the presence of bioactives. Additionally, the in vivo study was done in rats using doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity. The rats were given extracts orally at 160 and 320 mg/kg bw for 30 days. ECG analysis was done at the termination of the experiment. Besides this, the lipid profile, blood serum parameters (CK-MB, LDH, AST), and tissue parameters (MDA, SOD, GSH, CAT) were analyzed. The DOX-treated group unveiled a substantial variance (p < 0.001) in all the parameters in contrast to the normal control group and extract control groups. However, the pretreated groups substantially alleviated the DOX-induced changes in all the parameters. Additionally, recuperation in histopathological alterations of the cardiac tissue in contrast to the DOX-induced toxicity was also seen in the pretreated groups. Thus, it could be said that the cardioprotective activity of the quince peel extract attributed to the presence of phytoconstituents counteracted the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and assisted in the restoration of the cardiac injury in rats.

Validation and Standardization of Gallic Acid and Ellagic Acid in Quercus Infectoria, Terminalia Chebula, and Pistacia Integerrima

BACKGROUND

Due to its medicinal properties, Pistacia integerrima is in high demand and is extensively used as a key ingredient in various formulations. However, its popularity has led to its inclusion on the International Union for Conservation of Nature threatened category list. In Ayurvedic texts, such as Bhaishajaya Ratnavali, Quercus infectoria is recommended as a substitute for P. integerrima in different formulations. Additionally, Yogratnakar highlights that Terminalia chebula shares similar therapeutic properties with P. integerrima.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the current study was to gather scientific data on metabolite profiling and marker-based comparative analysis of Q. infectoria, T. chebula, and P. integerrima.

METHODS

In present study, hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of all three plants were prepared and standardized for the comparative evaluation of secondary metabolites. TLC was carried out for the comparative fingerprinting of the extracts using chloroform-methanol-glacial acetic acid-water (60 + 8 + 32 + 10, by volume) as a solvent system. A fast, sensitive, selective, and robust HPLC method was developed to determine gallic acid and ellagic acid from both extracts of all three plants. The method was validated for precision, robustness, accuracy, LOD and LOQ as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines.

RESULTS

The TLC analysis revealed the presence of several metabolites, and the pattern of metabolites in the plants exhibited a certain degree of similarity. A highly precise and reliable quantification technique was created for gallic acid and ellagic acid, operating within a linear concentration range of 81.18-288.22 µg/mL and 3.83-13.66 µg/mL, respectively. The correlation coefficients for gallic acid and ellagic acid were 0.997 and 0.996, indicating good linear relationships. The gallic acid content in all three plants ranged from 3.74 to 10.16% w/w, while the ellagic acid content ranged from 0.10 to 1.24% w/w.

CONCLUSION

The study contributes to the scientific understanding of the metabolite profiles and comparative analysis of Q. infectoria, T. chebula, and P. integerrima. The findings provide valuable insights into the chemical composition of these plants and can be used for various applications in herbal medicine.

HIGHLIGHTS

This pioneering scientific approach highlights the phytochemical similarities between Q. infectoria, T. chebula and P. integerrima.

Multi-Mechanistic and Therapeutic Exploration of Nephroprotective Effect of Traditional Ayurvedic Polyherbal Formulation Using In Silico, In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches

Based on traditional therapeutic claims, NEERI KFT (a traditional Ayurvedic polyherbal preparation) has been innovatively developed in recent time on the decades of experience for treating kidney dysfunction. Due to the lack of scientific evidence, the present investigations are needed to support the rationale use of NEERI KFT. Considering the facts, the study investigated the nephroprotective effect of NEERI KFT against kidney dysfunction using in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches. In this study, phytochemical and network pharmacology studies were performed for the developed formulation to evaluate the molecular mechanism of NEERI KFT in the amelioration of kidney disease. In vitro nephroprotective and antioxidant effect of NEERI KFT was determined on HEK 293 cells against cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. In vivo nephroprotective effect of NEERI KFT was determined against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats, via assessing biochemical markers, antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, CASP-3, etc. The results showed that the compounds such as gallic acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid are the major constituents of NEERI KFT, while network pharmacology analysis indicated a strong interaction between polyphenols and several genes (CASPs, ILs, AGTR1, AKT, ACE2, SOD1, etc.) involved in the pathophysiology of kidney disease. In vivo studies showed a significant (p < 0.05) ameliorative effect on biochemical markers and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH, etc.), and regulates inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, CASP-3) expression in kidney tissue. Hence, it can be concluded that NEERI KFT subsequently alleviates renal dysfunction mediated by cisplatin via attenuating oxidative and inflammatory stress, thus preserving the normalcy of kidney function.

Metabolite Profiling, Stability Testing, Pharmacokinetics, and In Vivo Pattern Recognition Analysis of Arq-e-Keora: A Traditional Unani Formulation

BACKGROUND

Arq-e-Keora is a liquid formulation of the Unani system of medicine and used since long for the management of weakness of heart, palpitations, etc.

OBJECTIVE

The study was carried out to generate a scientific data for its metabolite profiling, stability testing, pharmacokinetics, and pattern recognition analysis of Arq-e-Keora.

METHOD

Arq-e-Keora has been prepared as water distillate of male wpadix of Pandanus odoratissimus L.f. TLC profiling of Arq-e-Keora was performed using hexane and acetone (7:3, v/v) as a solvent system. The metabolic profiling of volatile compounds was carried out using GC-MS. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed through GC-MS to evaluate how quickly it absorbs and distributes in plasma. The pattern recognition analysis was performed in order to recognize the pattern and fate of metabolites in rat plasma up to 24 h after single oral administration of Arq-e-Keora.

RESULTS

TLC and GC-MS analysis resulted in profiling of 11 and 21 metabolites, respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed that phenethyl alcohol, alpha-terpinolene, beta terpinene, alpha terpinene, beta fenchyl alcohol, hexadecanoic acid, and octadecanoic acid are the major metabolites found in Arq-e-Keora. The stability analysis showed that most of the compounds are stable at refrigerator temperature during their consumption. Pharmacokinetics data of phenethyl alcohol showed its absorption was rapid, with Tmax occurring within 1 h after oral administration of Arq-e-Keora. In vivo pattern recognition analysis suggests that some metabolite expression was altered after its oral administration.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result, our model could be used for quality, stability, and pharmacokinetic evaluation of various Unani formulations mentioned in Unani Pharmacopoeia of India.

HIGHLIGHTS

This is the first study of pharmacokinetic analysis and metabolite pattern of traditional Unani formulation after its oral administration in Wistar rats.

Metabolomic Profiling and Identification of Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Compounds from Leaves of Different Varieties of Morus alba Linn Grown in Kashmir

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is commonly cultivated in Asian countries as a traditional medicine and food supplement. Four Kashmiri Morus alba varieties (Zagtul, Chtattatual, Chattatual Zaingir, and Brentul Kashmir) were evaluated for their proximate composition, mineral content, total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant potential, and antihyperglycemic activity. Furthermore, TLC-MS-bioautography was used for the identification of antioxidant and antidiabetic compounds in the best active extract. Lastly, UPLC-MS was employed for metabolomic profiling of the best variety of M. alba. Among all the varieties, the Zagtul variety was found to have the highest phenolic (71.10 ± 0.44 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid (53.22 ± 0.69 mg rutin/g DW) content. The highest antioxidant potential (DPPH) with an IC₅₀ value of 107.88 ± 3.8 μg/mL was recorded for the Zagtul variety. Similarly, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition for antidiabetic potential with IC₅₀ 74.76 ± 6.76 and 109.19 ± 5.78 μg/mL, respectively, was recorded in Zagtul variety. TLC-MS-bioautography for identification of bioactive compounds revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid for antioxidant potential and 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) and syringic acid for antidiabetic potential. Further, bioactive compounds responsible for diverse functions of M. alba were confirmed by UPLC-MS in both negative and positive modes. However, major compounds in the Zagtul variety were identified as chlorogenic acid, moracin N, gallic acid, ferulic acid, morin, 1-deoxynojirimycin, and syringic acid. Hence, based on our findings, it can be concluded that M. alba leaves can be consumed as a promising dietary supplement and can be formulated as phytopharmaceutical for the management of various metabolic disorders.